Over 775,000 square feet of retail space is occupied by high-quality building supplies, home furnishing, appliances, and décor at Habitat for Humanity's 90 Canadian ReStore locations. Shopping at a ReStore is a socially conscious decision, as funds generated are used to fund Habitat homebuilding projects. As well, shopping at a ReStore is an environmentally conscious decision, as much of what is sold is product that is new, gently used or customer returns that would otherwise end up in a landfill.

What types of products can I expect to find at my ReStore?
Every ReStore is different, offering a unique shopping experience for those looking to add something new to their homes. The inventory is always changing, as new items are donated by local residents and businesses daily. Consumers can expect to find items such as windows, doors, paint, hardware, lumber, tools, lighting fixtures, furniture and appliances.

What type of items can be donated to my ReStore?
ReStores accept a wide range of new and gently used items. Commonly donated items include windows, doors, paint, hardware, lumber, tools, lighting fixtures, furniture and appliances. Contact your nearest ReStore to determine if what you have can be donated to your local store.

How can I get items to my ReStore?
Items can be brought directly to your ReStore. If you are unable to bring an item to your ReStore, the ReStore may be able to arrange a time to pick it up directly from your home.

How does shopping at/donating items to my ReStore help the environment?
Retailers often have high quality items that can no longer be sold in store. These items often get sent to a landfill. Donating end-of-line products and customer returns to a ReStore can substantially reduce waste. In 2011, ReStores across Canada diverted over 20,000 tonnes of material from landfills. Individuals can also help to reduce waste by donating items of value that might otherwise be thrown out.

What happens to the money generated by ReStores?
The profit generated by ReStores are used to fund the local Habitat affiliate that operates the store. Charities, like any other organization, incur administrative fees, and ReStore profits help to cover these costs. As a result, the money raised by the affiliate by conventional means, such as through individual and corporate giving, can go directly towards local builds and providing more families in the community with safe, decent and affordable housing.

Does a personal donation to my ReStore quality for a charitable tax receipt?
Yes. Making a personal donation to any ReStore may earn the donor a charitable tax receipt. The amount of the tax receipt is dependent on how much the ReStore is able to sell the item for.

How do I volunteer at my local ReStore?
While many Habitat affiliates only build at certain times of the year, ReStores always provide volunteers with the opportunity to volunteer with Habitat. ReStores are a great place to learn skills and meet new people, all while helping build more affordable Habitat homes for low-income families.

ReStores are always looking for new volunteers to join their team. Contact your nearest store to find out how you can get involved.

For LARGE SCALE corporate donations, contact the ReStore National Procurement and Distribution Centre
Click here to learn about how Habitat for Humanity ReStore can be a solution provider for your overstock, end of line or returned product.